Hampton & Richmond Borough co-boss Paul Barry insists his side are close to the finished article despite picking up only two Ryman Premier points out of a possible 15.
The Beavers have scored only two goals in five games, leading Barry to make seven-day approaches to two wingers and a centre forward, who he hopes will be in place for tomorrow’s trip to East Thurrock United.
The new arrivals will mean departures from the Beveree, although Barry insists it is not a knee jerk reaction to a winless start to the season.
He said: “We started the season wanting to play in a particular formation and unfortunately, that has not worked.
“So we’re changing that, and it means we’re over-loaded in midfield and it is not fair to keep players on who will not be playing.”
Injuries made life difficult at the start of the season, but with players slowly returning, Barry believes the wins will come.
Prodigal son: Despite the return of Charlie Moone, the Beavers have just two goals from five games to show for their efforts SP78632
However, it is not just reinvigorated players that will make the difference, Barry also needs some intervention he cannot control.
He said: “We’ve been there or thereabouts in most games – only in the 3-0 defeat against Wealdstone were we bad – and but for a little luck, things could have been different.
“After we lost 1-0 at Kingstonian on Monday, their manager told us we deserved at least a draw. There was not a lot between the sides and their keeper made a blinding save, tipping one onto the bar.
“That lack of luck sums up our season so far, it’s more disappointing that frustrating.”
Meanwhile, Joel Ledigster – who was sent off for two yellow cards in that disappointing defeat to Wealdstone – picked up an FA fine and a club fine, and will miss the visit of Maidstone United on September 7 through suspension.
Barry said: “Joel’s stupid handballs that got him sent off cost us the game. He has one more chance to prove he can play at this level, and that he wants to play for Hampton & Richmond.”
The Beavers’ postponed Ryman Premier clash with Cray Wanderers has been rearranged for September 17, and the visit of Met Police on September 10, has been moved to September 11 so as to not clash with England’s World Cup qualifier at Ukraine.
Off: Joel Ledgister sees red in the 3-0 defeat to Wealdstone SP78632
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